These Santa impersonators are out of control.
Santas fight and steal in the streets
18.12.05 9.00am
By Vaneesa Bellew and Stephen Cook | NZ Herald
A gang of drunken "Santas" caused merry hell across central Auckland yesterday, robbing stores, tagging buildings and assaulting security guards.
Three men were arrested on a variety of drunk and disorderly charges, and two security guards had to be treated for cuts after being hit with beer bottles.
The group of 40 men - mostly in their mid-20s and dressed in ill-fitting Santa costumes - began their "Santarchy" shortly after 2pm. First stop was the Victoria St motorway overbridge where they smashed beer bottles and urinated.
Meanwhile....in Argentina
...in Buenos Aires, it is not the season to be jolly, it is the season to pay your taxes.
Tax inspectors are being deployed in Santa Claus outfits to try to encourage reluctant taxpayers in Argentina's capital to cough up. The Santas are stopping passers-by to tell them about special benefits if they pay up this month. It is the latest in a series of official campaigns against tax evasion in Argentina.
As part of the campaign, called "Holidays without Debt." around 100 Santas are out on the streets promoting the tax board's special Christmas offer. If people in Buenos Aires province pay their arrears by the 20th, they could be eligible for a series of festive tax deductions. The official leading the campaign said it was a chance to start the New Year in peace, free from the fear of prosecution.